Scout Report: Harry Chapman
Country: England
Date of Birth: Nov 1, 1997 (18 Yrs)
Current Club: Barnsley FC (On loan from Middlesbrough)
Position: Attacking Midfield/Left wing
Premier League clubs are often criticized for not giving young players enough chance to evolve on the bigger stage, however, truth be told there aren’t too many top English youngsters coming up through the academies.
Amid this barren run of talented English players, Harry Chapman is an exception who has all the attention of Premier League clubs after his successful stint with Middlesbrough. The 18-year old winger is being tipped as one of the best talents to have emerged in recent times.
Chapman caught everyone’s eye with a wonderful solo goal (scroll down for the video) vs. Torino in a UEFA Youth League match.
With British media buzzing with excitement, we take a closer look at Harry Chapman, his strengths, weak aspects and what future has in store for this exciting midfield star.
Harry Chapman – A brief history
Born in Heartpool on November 1 1997, Harry Chapman is a product of Middlesbrough academy after joining the club at the age of 6. Since then, Chapman has gradually evolved as a player and has gone on to represent Boro at every youth level.
Acclaimed for his speed and skill on the ball, he is already likened to the former Middlesbrough stars Stewart Downing and Adam Johnson. Chapman signed his first professional contract last year at the age of 17, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Realizing the need of first team action, Chapman has been sent on loan at Barnsely FC for rest of the season. The 18-year old is expected to make a headway by getting in to the Middlesbrough first team next season.
Chapman’s abilities were recognized last year when he was named Premier League’s U-21 Player of the month for Month of November. Chapman described it as the best moment of his career and hoped to build on the prestigious award.
Harry Chapman – Style of play and strengths
Renowned for his pace and ability on the ball, Chapman loves to run at his full-backs and go past them. He is very direct and attractive to watch while on the ball. His best position is from the wings, most preferably from the left hand side.
Playing from the left wing allows him to cut back on his favored right foot and take vicious shots at goal. Chapman’s dribbling abilities make him a threat from counter attacks. He draws fouls from the defenders and often gets knocked down in dangerous areas.
Chapman has quick feet and loves to maneuver ball in to tight spaces, which makes him very unpredictable and difficult to mark. He loves to create goals for others by making quick and surging runs inside the penalty box.
Harry Chapman – Weaknesses to be worked upon
Hearing to his coaches at Middlesbrough and Barnsley, Chapman has a solid attitude towards the game. He likes to track back and help out his defenders as well.
At present, he has not allowed any weakness to creep in to his game, however, the one aspect he needs to work on is his heading ability.
Harry Chapman – What does the future hold?
Harry Chapman has been in fine form this season scoring 2 goals and managing 7 assist in just 13 U-21 Premier League appearances. He looks to be on track to win his place in Middlesbrough’s senior team next season.
In an interview, Chapman confirmed that he idolizes Steven Gerrard and wants to represent Liverpool some day. Raheem Sterling was a similar story to Harry Chapman where a young English winger made his mark and took Premier League by storm.
Chapman just needs to keep his focus and he will be one of English football’s success stories in near future. His current market value may not be enough, but he is on track to become a £15-20million rated player in next couple of seasons.
Image Credit: Getty
